With the expansion of eco-tourism, an influx of
eco-resorts have made their way to the Caribbean shores. With so many options,
finding the right one is key. Enter the all-inclusive Sandos Caracol; a
jungle-meets beach Mayan hideaway perfect for travellers with green
sensibilities who still enjoy elements of a traditional all-inclusive holiday.
Thankfully, at Sandos Caracol going green no longer means roughing it!

When
I first arrived at Sandos Caracol I felt I had arrived at any other all-inclusive
property where a welcome cocktail, friendly staff and Caribbean-like décor
awaited me; until I checked-in and made my way towards the Elephant Bar
to relax with my cocktail. The lounge looks out onto a beautiful cenote
surrounded by lush tropical foliage. In that moment, I knew I had arrived
somewhere special. Cenotes are natural wells with crystal clear water that
connect to the underground rivers of the Yucatan peninsula. There is a certain
magic they exude in their beauty and Sandos Caracol is home to five of them,
and guests can even swim in one of them!

The
property is nestled on the edge of a lush jungle bursting with mangroves, cenotes
and coral reefs on the white-sands of Mexico’s fabled Riviera Maya steps from
Playa del Carmen. There are 956 rooms in 11 styles and 3 categories: Sanditos
Family Section, Select Club (adults-only) and Royal Elite Ocean Front, which are
spread across 78 buildings. My eco room was located in building 11 and offered
ocean and pool views. It featured a queen size bed, a living room, two full
ensuite bathrooms and a lovely terrace. The décor was simple, in keeping with
the eco philosophy, though my room did not lack in any of the comforts or
amenities I am accustomed to. I was part of the Select Club which came with
direct access to a private beach area with loungers, private bar and snack
area.

After
the land was purchased, Mayan ruins were discovered in the midst of the jungle,
so instead of building along the beach most of the hotel was built into the
jungle in order to protect this ancient Mayan settlement, using only 30% of the
land to build on. Today, these sacred grounds can be visited by guests and
serve as the site for the incredible Fire of Life ceremony that takes place every
Saturday night. As I sat under a star filled sky, in the middle of the jungle,
watching a Mayan Chaman and other villagers dance around open fires in their
traditional attire, I felt myself transported to another time. It was an
experience I won’t soon forget.

What
stood out most to me about Sandos Caracol was their ability to provide ALL
guests with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Mayan culture and their
connection to these lands by offering informative and entertaining activities
and events. Mayan pottery, Mayan astronomy, eco tours, underground Mayan
cooking classes, birdwatching, sensory experiences, tree planting, survival
classes, river adventures, nighttime ceremonies held by the sacred cenote, sun
and fire tributes, and traditional Mexican games are only a few of the things
that make up the Xcalacoco experience. Each day gifted me with a new and fun
learning experience in ancient Mayan traditions.

This wonderful property caters to both couples and
families. Here, guests can enjoy a true outdoor experience with plenty of
activities like snorkelling on the reef, swimming in a cenote, outdoor yoga,
bike tours, Zumba, water volleyball, beach volleyball, water polo, soccer and
tennis. And what better way to end a fun filled day, then with a relaxing spa
treatment at Spa Sandos. May I suggest a relaxing beachside massage, I loved
it!

Kids
will especially love this property! It houses an Aquapark with big slides and a
Kids Club. But, what makes this resort truly unique for children is its ability
to provide fun and interactive ways for them to acquire newfound knowledge and
appreciation for plants, wildlife and ecosystems. The property is also home to
many trails that can be explored on foot or on one of the many bicycles
available free to all guests. Be sure to keep your camera handy though, because
you never know when you will cross paths with a group of monkeys and other local
wildlife that live freely and happily on the hotel grounds. The hotel employs a
team of eco specialists, biologists and veterinarians who care for the
surroundings, abundant animal life and the hotel’s onsite animal rescue.

Sandos Caracol is an eco-resort and has implemented many programs and standards to
care for the land and ensure guests experience a true eco vacation. There are
no water bottles or disposable plastic cups anywhere on the resort. There’s an
onsite vegetable garden and compost system fuelled by the organic leftovers
from the hotel restaurants; seven in total, including a vegan and a teppanyaki restaurant,
which also provided my favourite meal. I must give honorable mention to La
Riviera, where I dined amid the jungle and beach. There are also six bars, two
poolside bars and a nightclub. In the evenings, enjoy a cocktail while
listening to a live band.

The
property helps support many local communities and artists, so guests are
invited to bring clothing, school supplies or other goods to donate. On
Wednesday and Saturday night there is an open market where you will find
locally handcrafted goods. I was taken aback by the incredible artists who
would create incredible works of art right before my eyes.

The
entire time I was there with my younger sister, who accompanied me on this
trip, I wished my niece and nephew were there also because I know how much they
would have loved Sandos Caracol and all the incredible experiences offered to
guests both young and old. Visit www.sunwingvacations.com
to book your stay!

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Travelista73 is an online destination that inspires travel dreams and journeys through a collection of images, travel tips, hotel reviews, getaway guides and travel stories curated by travel journalist and writer Francesca Spizzirri, known internationally as Travelista73.